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The former US president’s most recent threat to introduce an additional complete levy on Chinese goods has been called a “prime illustration” of American hypocrisy, according to the China’s leadership.

A official from China’s Commerce Ministry further commented that Beijing could introduce its own unspecified “countermeasures” if the American leader executes his threat, emphasizing that the country was “unafraid” of a looming commercial battle.

This past Friday, Donald Trump retaliated at Beijing’s move to strengthen its policies for exports of rare earths, accusing the Chinese leadership of “becoming very hostile” and attempting to hold the global community “captive”.

Additionally, he warned to cancel a arranged meeting with Beijing’s head of state President Xi, which was arranged for a meeting in the Republic of Korea later this month.

His statements on that day rattled stock exchanges, with the S&P 500 falling by nearly three percent, marking its biggest drop since last spring.

The president’s words renewed concerns of a trade conflict between the US and China.

In May, the two sides had reached an agreement to remove triple-digit tariffs on each other’s imports, which had created the possibility of commerce ceasing between the two nations.

This left, US tariffs on Chinese goods subject to an additional import tax compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering the country are subject to a 10% tariff.

China’s latest remarks – released by the relevant government department in the manner of written responses to media inquiries – echoed terminology from the height of the recent trade conflict.

They criticised United States controls on semiconductors and chips while supporting China’s own restrictions on exports on rare earths as “normal actions” to protect state interests and that of the global community.

The official said that for “many years”, the America had “expanded the interpretation” of national security, exploited foreign shipment regulations and “enforced” unfair treatments against China.

“Resorting to tariff threats is not the correct approach to engage with China,” the spokesperson said.

“China’s position on a import duty dispute has always been unchanging: we wish to avoid one, but we are unafraid of one.”

Recently, Beijing revealed it was tightening export controls on rare earths and additional substances essential to high-technology production.

This move was regarded as a significant step, as the state processes about ninety percent of the world’s rare earths, which are utilized in goods such as renewable energy components and mobile phones.

The recent comments from Washington and Beijing are being seen by analysts as a method of bolstering negotiating stances in preparation for future trade talks.

Remains uncertain whether a meeting between Trump and President Xi, scheduled at a high-level meeting in South Korea in the coming weeks, will go ahead.